Ex-London Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks would be interested in replacing Dai Young at Cardiff Blues, with the Welshman set to take over at Wasps.

Young has coached the Blues since the Welsh region's inception in 2003 but has asked to be released from the last year of his contract to join Wasps.

New Zealander Hanks left the English Premiership club in February after 21 months in charge.

"The Blues role is a role that really excites me," Hanks told BBC Sport.

"You only need to look at the history of the club. They have been there or thereabouts recently and might be disappointed that they haven't made the final leap, although they had a fantastic run in the Amlin last year."

Wasps have called a press conference for midday on Thursday, where they will announce their new director of rugby.

The Blues became the first Welsh team to claim European silverware when they beat Toulon in the 2010 Amlin Challenge Cup final.

But success in the blue riband Heineken Cup has eluded all the Welsh sides to contest it, both as clubs and since Wales reorganised into regional teams.

You look at the Blues squad and there are players that would command huge money if they played elsewhere

Tony Hanks

Whoever succeeds Young - it looks likely that Wasps will be able to unveil the 43-year-old former dual-code international on Thursday - will have to operate under stricter financial constraints, as the Blues tighten their belt.

But Hanks said there is more than enough quality already within the current Blues squad.

"A lot of teams are in the same boat," Hanks added. "There is still a lot of quality out there that doesn't cost that much, if for example they are players that other people do not rate.

"That said, you look at the Blues squad and there are players that would command huge money if they played elsewhere.

"Gethin Jenkins is one of the best players in the world, Jamie Roberts was outstanding for the Lions and has been there and done that; Sam Warburton is a great prospect.

"I know [Wales coach] Warren Gatland well and he has told me about the talent that is coming through."